Average Cooks, Restaurant Salary in Port St. Lucie, FL
Cooks in Port St. Lucie, Florida, earn an average annual salary of $36,370, which is slightly below the national average of $37,700. This marginal difference can often be attributed to the specific economic drivers and demand within the local restaurant industry, influencing compensation levels for culinary professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,370 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $44,520.
- Outlook: The Port St. Lucie culinary job market for Cooks, Restaurant is notably robust, with a total local workforce of 2,440 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.54 indicates a significant concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a higher demand and a more established presence of restaurant cooks within the region's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie, FL earns-3.5%below the national average.
$17.5
$699
$3,031
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing food costs, evolving consumer dining habits, and the ongoing need for skilled kitchen staff to meet demand.
Cooks, Restaurant Salary Distribution in Port St. Lucie, FL
Salary progression for Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior cooks with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these percentiles signifies the career advancement opportunities available within the local culinary sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills. | 10% (Entry) | $28,410 | $13.7 |
| Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section. | 25% (Junior) | $27,278 | $13.1 |
| Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory. | 50% (Median) | $36,020 | $17.3 |
| Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management. | 75% (Senior) | $45,463 | $21.9 |
| Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations. | 90% (Expert) | $44,520 | $21.4 |
Detailed Cooks, Restaurant Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,370
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,370
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $36,370 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, the nominal income for a Cook in Port St. Lucie aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of a Cook's salary in Port St. Lucie is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant gains or losses in real terms.
Job Market Context
2,440
Total Jobs
14.544
Per 1K Jobs
1.54
Location Quotient
Port St. Lucie, FL has 1.5x the national concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.54 for Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie signifies a market where this profession is 54% more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for culinary talent and potentially a more competitive environment for job seekers, as the number of available positions relative to the workforce is higher than the national benchmark.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Cooks, Restaurant
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,020↓ 1% | 35 mi |
| Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $36,210↓ 0% | 50 mi |
| Sebring, FL Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $33,570↓ 8% | 67 mi |
| North Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $43,920↑ 21% | 86 mi |
| South Florida nonmetropolitan area Cooks, Restaurant Salary | $40,340↑ 11% | 86 mi |
Comparing salaries near Port St. Lucie, FL
Hiring Cooks, Restaurants?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Cooks, Restaurant make in Port St. Lucie, FL?
The median annual salary for a Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie, FL is $36,370. This typically ranges from $28,410 for entry-level positions to $44,520 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Port St. Lucie, FL is 3.5% lower than the national median of $37,700.
Is Port St. Lucie, FL a lucrative place for Cooks, Restaurants?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $36,370 is competitive within the local market, it falls slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, indicating a balanced, though not exceptionally high, earning potential.
Is Port St. Lucie, FL a good place to live for Cooks, Restaurants?
The Cost of Living Index in Port St. Lucie, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Port St. Lucie, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Sebastian-Vero Beach-West Vero Corridor, FL ($36,020) and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL.
How does the number of Cooks, Restaurant in Port St. Lucie compare to the national average?
Port St. Lucie has 14.544 Cooks, Restaurant per 1,000 workers, which is considerably higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this profession.
What is the impact of the Location Quotient on job availability for Cooks?
A Location Quotient of 1.54 suggests that Port St. Lucie has a higher concentration of Cooks, Restaurant jobs relative to its workforce compared to the national average, potentially indicating more opportunities.
Does experience significantly impact a Cook's salary in Port St. Lucie?
Yes, as with most professions, experience plays a crucial role. Senior cooks with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn more than entry-level positions.
How does the salary for Cooks in Port St. Lucie compare to other Florida cities?
While this dataset focuses on Port St. Lucie, salary comparisons with other Florida cities would require additional localized data to determine relative earning potential and cost of living adjustments.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,440 employees in the Port St. Lucie, FL area with a job density of 14.544 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Cooks, Restaurant • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Port St. Lucie, FL